Artificial christmas tree

ABSTRACT

The artificial Christmas tree  10  has a trunk  12  configured in the form of popular or religious inspired figures. The figures may include a Christian cross, Santa Claus, an angel and a reindeer. The artificial tree  10  is provided with a base  14  to support the trunk  12  and artificial branches  18  that simulate the branches of traditional “real” Christmas trees. The branches  18  and base  14  are removably attached to the trunk  12  to allow for dismantling and storage. The trunk is fabricated from plastic material that is translucent to light. A source of light  16  is disposed inside the trunk to illuminate the trunk. The branches are of different lengths and configurations so that the assembled artificial tree will assume the shape of a traditional tree as much as possible.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to decorative objects. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to an artificial Christmas tree that is designed in the shape of popular or religious-inspired figures.

BACKGROUND ART

Decorating the house and/or yard for Christmas is traditional in most Christian households in the western world. In fact, since the Christmas holiday has been embraced by most retail establishments, the display of holiday inspired decorations is practiced in many non-Christian households. The central decorative theme of Christmas has always been the Christmas tree. Because of various constraints (shedding, the need to water, size, annual monetary expenditure, etc.) live or harvested trees are not always prudent for display in the home or commercial establishment. In recent years, the artificial Christmas tree has been utilized as a solution to this problem. Heretofore the artificial tree has been fabricated to resemble a “real” tree as much as possible. However, many consumers desire new and varied options instead of the same traditional “tree look”. For example, many people would prefer a decorative tree that would embrace a religious theme. Others, however, might want to emphasize a secular approach. Thus, an artificial tree that addresses these problems would certainly be desirous and a welcome advance in the art.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The artificial Christmas tree has a trunk configured in the form of popular or religious inspired figures. The figures include, but are not limited to, a Christian cross, Santa Claus, an angel and a reindeer. Examples of other figures may include the baby Jesus, a sleigh, one of the Magi—the list is limitless. The artificial tree is provided with a base to support the trunk and with artificial branches that simulate the branches of traditional “real” Christmas trees. The branches and base are removably attached to the trunk to allow for dismantling and storage. As contemplated, the trunk is fabricated from plastic material that is translucent to light. A source of light is disposed inside the trunk in order to illuminate the trunk. The branches are of different lengths and configurations so that the assembled artificial tree will assume the shape of a traditional tree as much as possible. Decorative ornaments may be hung from the branches, as is customary.

Accordingly, the instant invention is drawn to an artificial Christmas tree that presents a choice of decorative themes. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a first embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective view of a second embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an environmental, perspective view of a third embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an environmental, perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the branch insert structure of an artificial Christmas tree according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1, wherein an artificial Christmas tree of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. The trunk 12 of the tree is configured as a Christian cross and is removably mounted on a base 14. Trunk 12 is preferably fabricated from a suitable plastic material that is translucent to light. Trunk 12 has an interior that houses light-emitting devices 16. Devices 16 can be designed for operation by either AC or DC (battery) power sources. Artificial branches 18, which simulate the branches of a Christmas tree, are removably attached to the trunk. Branches 18 are of different lengths and shapes so that when assembled on the trunk, the artificial tree will assume the shape of a conventional Christmas tree.

The artificial trees of FIGS. 2-4 each have trunks 12 that are respectively configured as a reindeer, an angel and Santa Claus. As in FIG. 1, each trunk 12 is fabricated from translucent plastic material and houses light-emitting devices 16. Each trunk is also provided with removable simulated branches 18. As noted above, the trunk can be designed to assume other configurations if desired.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial view of trunk 12 sectioned to show openings 12 a therein. Each opening 12 a is sized to receive the stem 18 a of a respective branch 18. The number and orientation of openings 12 a as well as the length, shape and number of branches 18 will be pre-determined based on design considerations.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An artificial Christmas tree, comprising: a trunk having an interior and a plurality of openings defined therein, the trunk being fabricated from translucent material; a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed in the interior of the trunk; and a plurality of artificial, simulated tree branches disposed in the openings.
 2. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 1, further including a base member supporting said trunk.
 3. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 1, wherein said artificial, simulated tree branches are of different lengths.
 4. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 1, wherein each of said artificial, simulated branches includes a stem for insertion into a respective one of the openings in said trunk.
 5. An artificial Christmas tree, comprising: a base having an opening defined therein; a trunk removably mounted in the base, the trunk having an interior and a plurality openings defined therein, the trunk being fabricated from translucent material and simulating a decorative figure; a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed in the interior of the trunk; and a plurality of artificial, simulated tree branches disposed in the openings.
 6. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 5, wherein said artificial, simulated tree branches are of different lengths.
 7. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 5, wherein each of said artificial, simulated branches includes a stem for insertion into a respective one of said plurality of openings in said trunk.
 8. An artificial Christmas tree, comprising: a base having an opening defined therein; a trunk removably mounted in the base, the trunk having an interior and a plurality openings defined therein, the trunk being fabricated from translucent material and simulating a decorative figure; a plurality of light-emitting devices disposed in the interior of the trunk; a plurality of artificial, simulated tree branches disposed in the openings, the branches having different lengths; and a stem provided on each of the simulated tree branches, the stem being removably inserted into a respective one of the openings in the trunk.
 9. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 8, wherein said decorative figure is a Christian cross.
 10. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 8, wherein said decorative figure is a reindeer.
 11. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 8, wherein said decorative figure is a Santa Claus.
 12. The artificial Christmas tree according to claim 8, wherein said decorative figure is an angel. 